Gregory W. Meeks and Mark Souder form letter to colleague, March 5, 2002

V pyr. ttvf 0* Congress о! ttje Kniteb States ©Hatffjington, 3BC 20515 In An Effort To Leave No Child Behind, We Should Make An Effort to Push No On March 05, 2002 Dear Colleague: Over the past twenty years, the earnings of young adults who had completed at least a*fiacfef6r’s degree increased relative to their counterparts who had completed no more than a high school education. Unfortunately, a misinterpretation of a law that was passed in 1998 has deprived many students of the opportunity to earn a college degree. As part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Congress passed a provision authored by Rep. Souder and then Rep. Gerald Solomon that aimed to hold a student who is receiving federal financial aid accountable by revoking aid if the student is convicted of a drug offense. Unfortunately, to Representative Souder’s dismay, in 1999, the Department of Education misinterpreted the law and expanded this provision beyond what Congress intended. The ban was to apply solely to students, meaning those persons enrolled in an institution of higher learning and receiving aid at the time of their conviction. Instead, the Department of Education applied the ban to aid applicants with prior drug convictions, regardless of whether they are enrolled in an institution of higher learning at the time of their conviction or not. This misinterpretation has caused a lost opportunity to offer economic and education equity to many who so willingly seek it. More than 43,000 people this year alone will be denied federal financial assistance under the current screening process. The current Department of Education feels a legislative remedy is required to correct this interpretation and that HR. 3777, The Responsible Student Financial Assistance Assurance Act of 2002, will provide such a remedy. While many have advocated for repeal of this regulation, we must be realistic. Most Americans would support withholding federal aid from a student who is squandering his or her opportunity by using or selling drugs. We must continue to hold accountable those who are charged with drug related offenses while receiving student federal aid, but at the same time, encourage those who are trying to improve their lives with an opportunity to attend an institution of higher learning. Let’s ensure that what Congress intended is implemented. We ask that you become a co-sponsor of H.R. 3777, which will serve the true intent of the original language- to hold accountable those who were receiving federal financial assistance at the time they were convicted of a drug- related offense; rather than, continuing to punish those who have made a mistake and are attempting to improve their lives. Should you like to become a co-sponsor or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Stewart in Rep . Meeks ’ office at x53461 or Tiffany Mulligan in Rep. Souder’s office at x54436. Member of Congress Mark Souder Member of Congress